Your guide to Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeships
Did you know that you can now qualify as a solicitor via a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship? Those who have a degree no longer have to add to their university debt, thanks to this programme.
In this blog, we explain what a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship is and how to train as a solicitor via this route.
What is a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship?
The Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship gives graduates the chance to study the SQE whilst simultaneously undertaking the qualified work experience and a faster route to qualification without further university fees.
If you choose to qualify via a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship with Barcan+Kirby, you will complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE 1 and 2) whilst working at our firm and earning a salary.
Barcan+Kirby’s apprenticeship is delivered by blended learning via the University of Law. You will be assigned an internal training supervisor, a university tutor and a skills coach. You will specialise in one area of law, for example, Private Client or Commercial Property.
Read more about Barcan+Kirby’s Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme here.
Who can apply for a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship?
If you have a Law degree with a 2:1 or above and within the last three years, you can start our 27-month apprenticeship as soon as you pass your probation. Until then, you will spend your time getting to grips with life at a law firm and carrying out day-to-day tasks such as supporting lawyers in the team with their matters.
If you have a degree in another subject, or you have a Law degree from more than three years ago, you will be offered the 33-month programme (after your probation ends).
You can also apply for a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship if you are a Paralegal or Senior Paralegal with a degree, via our Staff Development Programme.
You must have Maths and English GCSEs (grade 4 minimum, or equivalent).
“Whilst at university, I was only made aware of the training contract route to qualification, which would have required me to take a year away from work to complete the Solicitors’ Qualifying Examination (SQE) or Legal Practice Course (LPC). The Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship gives the perfect opportunity to work towards the SQE whilst still gaining valuable hands-on experience and preventing the need for a career break.
Barcan+Kirby has a great culture and provides a supportive environment to all employees. I am excited to be on my qualification journey with such friendly and approachable colleagues who are enthusiastic about my progression and development as an apprentice.”
– Lucy Amos | Graduate Apprentice Solicitor
How long is the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship?
Our apprenticeship is a 27 or 33-month programme, depending on what degree you have and the year you graduated.
During this time, you will study and sit SQE 1 and SQE 2 while undertaking all required qualifying work experience. Once this has been completed, you will become a fully qualified solicitor without any more university debt!
The Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship programme comprises 80% work and 20% study and training. Typically, Graduate Solicitor Apprentices work in a firm four days per week and spend one day studying.
Can I be a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice without a Law degree?
Yes! You can join the programme whether you have a Law degree or a degree in any other subject.
The process is slightly longer if you do not have a Law degree or if your law degree is older than three years (33 months rather than 27 months), but it is still a practical, accessible and often quicker route to qualification.
How are Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeships funded at Barcan+Kirby?
95% of the SQE exam costs and training are funded by the Government and the remainder is funded by Barcan+Kirby (including our Apprenticeship Levy).
As a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice, you will also receive a salary from Barcan+Kirby as you will be in a role while you study. You will not have to pay for your training.
How can I apply for a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship?
At Barcan+Kirby, we are always on the lookout for talented, passionate individuals who align with our values. We have several Graduate Solicitor Apprentices currently qualifying with us, some of whom applied for Graduate Solicitor vacancies advertised externally and some who joined us as Paralegals and applied to qualify via this route through our Staff Development Programme.
If you are interested in starting your career in law and qualifying with us, we encourage you to apply for our vacancies. No matter where you are in your studies, you will have access to our staff development initiatives, and we can help you on your journey to qualification. It may be that you join us directly as a Graduate Apprentice or as a Paralegal who moves to the Graduate Apprenticeship following a successful application to our Staff Development Programme.
Further information
The Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship offers an accessible route to becoming a solicitor, benefiting those who previously may not have been able to follow their ambitions due to financial and/or social mobility constraints.
If you are interested in qualifying as a solicitor with us via our Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship, please check out our latest vacancies. It is also worth following us on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram) as we post new vacancies there.
For further information about what it’s like to work at Barcan+Kirby, or if you have any questions about what your route to qualification might look like, contact our Recruitment team. It’s also worth reading about what our staff say.